The highly anticipated Paris 2024 Paralympics will commence with its Opening Ceremony on Thursday, August 29, at 4:00 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Set in the iconic locations of Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees, the event promises to be a landmark occasion amplifying the spirit of inclusion and celebration of diversity among athletes with disabilities.

Australia will proudly be represented by a contingent of 158 athletes, including 61 first-time Paralympians. This impressive team will be co-captained by Angela Ballard and Curtis McGrath, with esteemed Order of Australia recipients Madison de Rozario and Brenden Hall serving as the nation’s flag-bearers during the ceremony. Madison de Rozario, acclaimed for her outstanding achievements, has secured six medals across previous Paralympic Games, while Brenden Hall’s accolades include two gold medals from the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympics.

Historically, Australia has achieved remarkable success at the Paralympic Games, accumulating a total of 1,205 medals, including 80 awarded during Tokyo 2020. The Paris 2024 Games will mark a significant milestone, as this city will host the Paralympics for the first time, promising a memorable spectacle akin to the prior Olympic festivities. A total of approximately 65,000 spectators are expected to be in attendance, witnessing a vibrant parade featuring 4,400 Paralympians from 184 delegations.

Artistic direction for the Opening Ceremony has been entrusted to the visionary French theatre director Thomas Jolly, promising an innovative celebration that emphasizes the theme of inclusion. This initiative aims to reshape societal perceptions surrounding disabilities and promote a more inclusive atmosphere for individuals with disabilities.

Tony Estanguet, the president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, articulated the significance of this momentous occasion, stating, “This ceremony at the heart of the city is a strong symbol illustrating our ambition to capitalize on our country hosting its first-ever Paralympic Games to position the issue of inclusion for people with disabilities at the heart of our society.”

For audiences in Australia, the Opening Ceremony will be accessible through live streaming on 9Now and Stan, complemented by a live broadcast on the Network Nine television channels. This event is poised to ignite national pride and foster a renewed commitment to inclusion within the community.

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